News Archive

Champions League - day 4

Real Madrid are back! A 0-5 win at Viktoria Plsen took them above Roma to the top of their group, and they are now well in line to reach the next stage. By half time they were already four up, Benzema and Casemiro scoring twice in a two minute period in the middle of the first half, and Bale setting up Benzema for a third before scoring the fourth himself. And after the restart Kroos completed the scoring to give caretaker coach Solari a third win in a row. Valencia also clocked up a much needed win, the Ches beating Young Boys 3-1 for their first victory in the competition. Carlos Soler set up Santi Mina to score twice before the break, and then adding a third himself after the restart, with Assalé temporarily levelling it for the Swiss side in between. However Manchester United’s late victory at Juventus left Marcelino’s team in third place, and they have a lot of work to do still if they are to qualify for the next round. (07.11.18)

Barcelona are the first team to qualify for the knock-out stage after a 1-1 draw at Inter Milan on Tuesday. The Catalans were by far the better side throughout, with local keeper Handanovic having to save from Dembélé, Luis Suárez, Coutinho and others, but it was not until eight minutes from time that substitute Malcom put them ahead. Five minutes later though Icardi levelled the scores, but Barça had done enough to make sure mathematically of their place in the last sixteen. Atlético Madrid took a big step as well towards qualifying (they have a special interest this season as the final is in their own Wanda stadium) with a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund. Simeone’s team had been thrashed by the Germans two weeks ago, but Saúl gave them the lead in the first half, and Griezmann wrapped things up with ten minutes to go. (06.11.18)